Bob Jones starts Class 7A, Area 8 play in softball

MADISON- The Bob Jones softball team under first year head coach Whitney Deaver faced a major challenge Wednesday as Sparkman traveled to Madison to open area play and the reigning state champions defeated Bob Jones 10-1 in 7 innings.

Bob Jones fell behind early as the first four Sparkman batters reached base and came around to score.

Taylor Davis singled, Mackenzie Nutt and Lily Calvert reached on errors, then Kailey Stoker walked as did the next three Sparkman batters. Deaver removed Bob Jones starting pitcher Hannah Pope after four batters and Emma Jarrett relieved and finally got out of the inning.

Bob Jones loaded the bases in the bottom of the first but Sparkman pitcher Kailey Stoker got Hunter Smart on a groundout and Sparkman led 5-0 after one inning.

Bob Jones got a run in the fifth as Kathrine Jolliffe stroked a double to the fence. Emily Quick scored the run after a Heather Phillips single.

“Our pitchers did not challenge their hitters,” Deaver said. “We couldn’t throw pitches for strikes and it put us in a hole. A couple of times my pitchers got ground balls and the defense made errors. When you don’t throw strikes a good hitting team like Sparkman will take advantage.”

Deaver pointed out that Bob Jones left eight runners on base. Bob Jones had five hits.

She also used multiple players at pitcher, catcher, first and second base.

“I haven’t found who deserves to play what position yet. Here it is area play and I still don’t know who needs to be at what position because day-in day-out I get a different performance. I’m trying to find some stability and consistency.”

She also needs to find production especially at the corner positions in the infield and outfield.

Some positions are solid.

Centerfielder Nicole Buccieri hit a home run against Hartselle Monday night and had a double against Sparkman. Hunter Smart in right and Emily Quick in left appear set in the outfield; all three are seniors. Heather Phillips is solid at shortstop.

“I know we can bounce back,” Deaver said. “Right now we are still mentally young even the seniors.”

Bob Jones lost an area game at Buckhorn on March 7 so they fall to 0-2 in area play while Sparkman is 1-0. They will have to play a make-up game against James Clemens. Next Tuesday Bob Jones will host James Clemens.